"When I first learned that up to 40 percent of all homeless youth in this country identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, I was shocked and saddened," said Lauper, co-founder of the True Colors Fund.

"For far too long homeless youth have not received the attention, resources and funding necessary to bring an end to this epidemic. My hope is that through this inspiring evening of music and comedy we can raise awareness and much needed funds to help these young people."

After securing a $50k Pepsi Refresh grant last month, National Inclusion Project supporters are voting for December participants who supported the foundation in November's successful drive.

Links and text numbers for the supporting charities, along with several causes from North Carolina, are located on the ABC panels of the above widget and the vertical version situated in the Carolina sidebar. Both were created by Scarlett.

The VOTE panel contains two sample comments to post on the charity's Pepsi page following your daily ballot.

Below are double clickables of Fountaindawg's opening graphic. The second is a widescreen version.

GREETINGS!

This blog is about my passions: family, friends, music, teaching, journalism, Carolina basketball, and Clay Aiken. Since 2007, visitors have dropped by from 170 countries, the most recent being Cuba, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Nicaragua, and Aruba. Hope to see y'all again soon! - Caro